Saiga 12

• Versions and Model Info
  • SWAT Model Features
    • Close-ups
    • Magazine Well
    • Pistol Grip
• Components
  • Magazines
• Conversion and Build Info
  • My Build
  • Other conversions
  • Parts Count

Versions and Model Info

Images from various Russian sources and weapons expos.  It is interesting to note that apparently there is no "standardized" model, and every model seems to be employed in one form or another, both the old and newer magazine well-enabled models.

Features specific to the SWAT Model

• Close-ups
• Magazine Well
• Pistol Grip

Close-up features of the design improvements of what is commonly referred to as the "SWAT" model.  Hinged top cover, improved gas block with integral rail, and magazine feed well (see below).  The cover-mounted rail may be an optional component since the standard AK-style side mount rail is still present.

The "improved" magazine well.  Observe that in the Demo pics above, the operatives are using the "improved" version, which uses a magazine well.  Since a fully-loaded magazine requires excessive force to load, one must "slap home" the fully loaded magazine, and some bolt mods are warranted.  In a combat situation this extra effort could prove disastrous.  This new version uses the magazine well plus a magazine modified to work with it, similar to any other slide-in magazine well (such as an AR).  It looks like a normal magazine with the locking lugs reshaped for the well:

Izshmash factory pistol grip: 

Various Components

Most accessories can be found from time to time on gunbroker or rusmilitary, and among other places such as forum classifieds.  Some parts from K-var can also be employed.

The Tula "AKS" style buttstock: 

The "SVD-S" style buttstock:

Side-folding stock latch with standard AK-100 style latch for comparison:

Bolt Hold Open assembly made by a Saiga-12 forum member.  It relies on a tab that is added to the follower, which actuates the linkage arm after the last round is fed:

Bolt-on Front Sight Assemblies and Flash Hiders

Factory Paradox Slug Choke (rifled for slugs)

Aftermarket shot spreader - similar design to SPAS-12 shot spreader.  Possibly a converted SPAS spreader:

VEPR Bolt Hold-open

Magazines

US-built Magazines

• AGP

10 round magazines available from the manufacturer (http://www.agparms.com) and from other retail vendors like DPH.  Both black and smoke colored mags are now available.

• PROMAG

I have a 10-rounder, range testing complete!  :)  It works really well.

Stepson loves it! 

On mine, I needed to file a small amount of the plastic to get the magazine release to lock up.

Comparison of the feed lips to the factory 5-rounder.

There's a second floorplate tab that allows you to cut the magazine down to a 5-round size.  Presumably for hunting applications.

• MDArms

20-round drums:  

Available from:  http://www.mdarms.com/  This is the non-metallic synthetic drum that does not require any fitting/timing to work. 

Note:  There is apparently another aftermarket drum that is metallic, and requires fitting and/or timing to a the specific shotgun.  This is a rather limiting design since it "mates" the drum to a specific shotgun, not to mention the fact that the drum design exposes rounds to the environment and potential dust/debris contamination... I have no further information on that drum.

Note:  This is approved for ownership and use by the ATF.  No special paperwork is required.  The drum-fed shotguns that were declared Destructive Devices in the 80's were restricted based on the model.  I'll try to locate a legal doc for reference.

Conversion and Build Info

My build

 - "YACS" - Yet Another Converted Saiga - not much to say, really.  It is a 12-gauge AK...

I added a magazine quick-release paddle from Red Star Arms.  The extension is a simple piece of 1/8" metal spot welded on to facilitate "normal" magazine changes even with the aftermarket paddle.  I intend to add a folding stock, muzzle brake, and bolt release.

Other Conversions

An earlier conversion project that uses an Ace folding buttstock.   Note the simplicity with which the trigger guard can be attached on a Saiga-12.

Chibajoe's bullpup conversion using the K-Var stock set:

A home-built magazine well from NZ.  Built from 16 gauge sheet steel, and flared at the bottom.

A commercial bullpup conversion "kushnapup":

Parts Count

I obtained a copy of the ATF letter originally posted on the now-defunct Soupbowl Enterprises page that specifically states that a Saiga shotgun has 13 countable parts for 922r purposes.  A copy of this letter and brief discussion is found on my Parts Count Legal Page. 

Note: Further discussion at Gunco suggests the parts count was extrapolated from the factory parts breakdown.  Therefore some deviation from the "classic" parts definition has been observed.

In the letter, the following 13 parts are listed for a default out-of-the-box Saiga shotgun config (part numbers from letter are denoted:

1. 1, Frame
2. 2, Barrel
3. 6, Bolt
4. 7, Bolt Carrier
5. 9, Gas Piston
6. 11, Trigger
7. 12, Hammer
8. 14, Disconnector
9. 15, Buttstock
10. 17, Forearm
11. 18, Magazine Body
12. 19, Floorplate
13. 20, Follower
    

My conversion plans include a pistol grip and muzzle attachment, meaning the final parts count for my build will equal 15 parts.  Since I intend to exclusively make use of US-built magazines (3 parts), the final tally will require two additional US-built parts.   I may add additional US parts to have the flexibility of using the factory 5-round Saiga magazines for hunting, etc.  I have built a muzzle brake on the lathe.

A US-built piston is available from both Hotbarrel and also Tromix. 

The standard AK conversion parts (pistol grip, internal parts, etc.) are able to be interchanged to assist with 922r "less than 10 imported parts" compliance.

DPH also sells a CNC-manufactured forearm with integral tri-rail which seems perfectly suited for tactical builds.